self-destructive
adjective
self-de·struc·tive
ˌself-di-ˈstrək-tiv 
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
self-destructiveness
noun
Examples of self-destructive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jason medicated with self-destructive behavior and throwing himself into his job, while Claire poured all of her emotions into her dancing.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 June 2025
To many watching, Elon Musk’s decision to publicly insult President Trump seemed self-destructive, if not outright irrational.
—Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Her daughter went through substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors as a teen.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
More often than not, the sort of activist who makes a career of political agitation — even from within the confines of an ostensibly apolitical institution — is beholden to a constellation of misconceptions and rationalizations that justify even the most self-destructive endeavors.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 29 May 2025
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Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 June 2025
To many watching, Elon Musk’s decision to publicly insult President Trump seemed self-destructive, if not outright irrational.
—Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Her daughter went through substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors as a teen.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
More often than not, the sort of activist who makes a career of political agitation — even from within the confines of an ostensibly apolitical institution — is beholden to a constellation of misconceptions and rationalizations that justify even the most self-destructive endeavors.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-destructive
Cite this Entry
“Self-destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destructive. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
self-destructive
adjective
self-de·struc·tive
-ˈstrək-tiv
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
also
: suicidal
self-destructively
adverb
self-destructiveness
noun
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